12 Best Spots For Hiking in Nashville: Trails For All Hikers!

The bustling city of Nashville is best known for its music scene. But it's rich with spectacular natural landscapes. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Nashville. You'll find plenty of hiking trails in Nashville suited for every hiking level, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting.

No need to drive far to hit the best hiking spots in Nashville. These trails feature historic landmarks, local wildlife, and unique flora species. If you're lucky, you might even glimpse the Nashville skyline on your hike!

Be sure to download these recommended hiking apps to change how you hike. So pack your hiking shoes, water bottle, and camera. Get ready to explore the best hiking trails in Nashville and discover even more!  

12 Best Hiking Trails in Nashville For Every Skill Level

Hiking in Nashville is bound to be an unforgettable experience, especially since you've got plenty of options for beginners and skilled hikers. So add these hiking spots to your next trail adventure.

But before you hit the trails, pack all the essential hiking gear to keep you safe! 

I'll start with the easiest for beginner hikers,  nothing fancy. Then, I'll show you the moderate trails and end with the difficult spots for experienced hikers.

12. Radnor Lake Trail

The Radnor Lake Trail is one of the local favorites for hiking in Nashville, and it's an easy trail spanning 2.4 miles. 

When you explore this hiking trail, you'll encounter local wildlife. The terrain is also flat, making it suitable for beginners and hiking with seniors or children. You can even bring your dog for a walk! 

Since the Nashville trail is popular, finding a parking spot can take time and effort. Come here early or after the morning crowd has left to secure a spot. 

Hike level: Easy 

11. Narrows of the Harpeth

If you're looking for a short hike that offers stunning beauty and sights, head to Narrows of the Harpeth Trail. It's located within the state park with the same name. 

It's an easy hike that's suited for all hiking levels. Even kids can easily conquer this trail! 

The highlight of this hike is the impressive rock formations and scenery as you go through the woods. 

A gorgeous waterfall awaits you at the end of this trail. It's remarkable how many natural landmarks and beauty you can witness in a short, 1.1-mile hike!

As a bonus, the Narrows of the Harpeth trail is only a half-hour away from Nashville's city center!

Hike level: Easy 

10. Shelby Bottoms

The Shelby Bottoms is another spot for hiking in Nashville, and it's part of the city's Greenway system. It's a long hike but relatively easy, and the best part is it's located right within Nashville!

You'll start your hike at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and then along Cumberland River. It's an easy trek suited for all skill levels because of the paved trail. It's the perfect walk to spend time with nature or observe local wildlife.

Hike level: Easy

9. Greeter Falls

The Greeter Falls trail belongs to the South Cumberland State Park and is part of the Savage Gulf trail system. You won't be disappointed if you're hiking in Nashville to find the best waterfall views!

The entire trail spanning 1.6 miles is also pet-friendly. But do make sure to keep your dogs on a leash at all times.

The trail's highlight is the 50-foot waterfall on a limestone ledge. You could even swim in the pool below! It's the best way to cool off hiking in the summer. Just be sure to pack your sunscreen for added protection.

Hike level: Easy 

8. Mossy Ridge Trail

The Mossy Ridge Trail is one of the best hikes in Nashville. It's the ideal choice if you want to avoid driving far to get the best hiking trails. 

It's 4.9 miles long and within Percy Warner Park. The trail takes you through hills and hardwood forests. It's unbelievable that you're right within Nashville, with such a remarkable landscape!

The terrain changes in some parts of the trail make it moderately challenging. Still, some parts of the trail are doable, even for beginners.

Hike level: Easy to moderate 

7. Sewanee Perimeter Trail

The Sewanee Perimeter Trail is one of the best spots for hiking in Nashville, with waterfalls. The trail is over 21 miles, but you'll find plenty of entry and exit points. It makes it easy to customize your hike according to how long or short you want each trek.

It's one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Nashville as you'll traverse the plateaus and stumble upon small waterfalls. If you'd prefer to stop at a waterfall, follow the trail to Bridal Veil Falls and Morgan Falls. 

Hike level: Easy to moderate

6. Whites Creek at Fontanel

The Whites Creek trail is approximately 11 miles from Downtown Nashville. This hiking trail in Nashville is one of the "bestsellers" in TN because of its relatively flat terrain. 

While lesser known than other trails in the Greenways system, it's accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

The walking trail boasts hillside and meadow views. One-half of the trail is paved, and the rest is unpaved. It also features rolling elevation changes, but plenty of rest stops allow you to go at your own pace. 

Even though it's got unpaved areas, you'll find plenty of shaded areas if you want to rest a little. 

Hike level: Easy to moderate 

5. Beaman Park

Beaman Park is a 15-mile hike approximately 13 miles from Downtown Nashville. It's a standout hiking spot in Nashville because of its abundance of shaded areas, elevation changes, and gorgeous wildflowers. 

It's one of the must-do hikes in the summer because there's plenty of shade. This trail is challenging as it features loops, out-and-backs, and intersections. 

Still, it's worth it when you get to the end. It's also part of Nashville's Greenways system that showcases parks along the major water corridors. 

Hike level: Easy to moderate

4. Twin Falls and Down River Trail

I love the name of this trail! It's one of the best hiking spots in Nashville, with waterfalls. It's a moderate hike with an impressive view of a twin waterfall.

The trail extends 1.6 miles, which is relatively easy to moderate. Locals and tourists come to this spot to enjoy a short hike in the morning and go swimming or kayaking in the natural pool much later in the day.

The twin waterfalls highlight this trail, but the park's natural scenery is also worth visiting.

Hike level: Easy to moderate

3. Burgess Falls Trail

If you're looking for a scenic hike with views of a spectacular waterfall, this hike is for you! The Burgess Falls State Park hiking trail is 1.5 miles long, free to access, and 1.5 hours from the city.

Still, this hiking trail is worth the drive because you'll explore 4 waterfalls along your hike. The final waterfall is the most impressive, over 135 feet!

While you can find plenty of hiking trails in Nashville with waterfalls, it's the only one with 4 waterfalls in 1 trail. That's amazing if you ask me!

Hike level: Difficult

2. Cummins Falls

The trail at Cummins Falls State Park is a challenging one. But the rugged trail leads to a stunning waterfall and pool, making it well worth the hike.

The Cummins Falls trail is 3 miles long. Approximately 1.5 hours from Nashville, it's a must for those seeking an adventurous hike in Nashville. 

Part of what makes this trail difficult is the terrain changes. And boy, does it change often! Keep an eye out for boulders and rocky river beds. Wear sturdy shoes for this treacherous rocky terrain hike!

Hike level: Moderate to difficult

1. Fiery Gizzard Trail

The Backpacker Magazine named Fiery Gizzard Trail among the 25 best hikes in the United States. That's saying a lot, given the many hiking spots in Tennessee, let alone the US!

It's a haven for adventurous hikers because of its rugged terrain. The hike is also incredibly scenic, making it the ideal choice for anyone seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of TN.

Experienced hikers like to go on a full-day trek with this trail. There'll be plenty of natural obstacles like boulders, but it's entirely worthwhile for dedicated hikers!

Hike level: Difficult 

When is The Best Time to Hike in Nashville?

May is the wettest month in Nashville, so avoid planning your hikes during this time of year. On the other hand, June is the driest month. If hiking in June, always be prepared with the right gear to avoid heat stroke. It's also recommended to hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Since weather conditions can change throughout the year, always pay attention to the weather forecast during the day before you set out for a walk.

Explore Nashville Trails with Pilot!

Satisfy your taste for adventure when exploring the best hiking trails in Nashville. Take note of these trails when building your itinerary using Pilot.